This week’s title is going to be as dramatic as some of the descriptions I’ve seen of the Turks and Caicos Islands since a great misfortune befell a few tourists.
In fact, these incidents are truly sad and serve as important memories for travelers. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those affected and pray that this ordeal ends as soon as possible.
Stories of tourists arrested, detained and released on bail for violating the country’s laws have attracted local and regional attention. But it is true that laws have been broken, whether intentionally or not, and there are consequences in every country where the law has been broken. “Ignorance of the law is no excuse” is still true.
But first, I’d like to note what I’m not zooming in on in all of this. This is a great job by airport security officials who conducted a thorough search and found what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had missed. At the same time, we must also focus on the role and failures of the TSA in removing ammunition from multiple airports. The ability for this to happen is incomprehensible to me, given my ongoing experience with the TSA who once opened my Bible case and examined the pages of my Bible. We all know that you can’t pass a certain size of lotion/gel or the infamous water you have to drink before passing. I’m baffled that a bullet (as opposed to a single bullet) escaped TSA’s “thoroughness” and “rigor.” That’s why we need a real overhaul.
It was the government’s decision at the time to almost double the penalties on the books for possessing illegal arms and ammunition. And unfortunately I missed the whole discussion, but I’m sure there was an explanation for the number 12.
When I, as Prime Minister, increased the penalty from five to seven years, it was intended to act as a deterrent. I think we can understand that in a situation like this, many people will still take a chance, believing that they will not be caught. Therefore, consideration was also given to the idea that a seven-year period would be sufficient time for the person to be arrested, sentenced, and successfully overcome the transformational period. program. These laws are not outdated, egregious or an affront to modern society. In fact, modern society changes laws to meet challenges, and this law certainly reflects the pressures of the time. However, the effectiveness of these laws must be constantly reviewed.
Although the 12-year obligation may seem harsh to people, it is not easy to determine what is justice in this situation. Do we think this as well when we see senseless murders in broad daylight, when gangsters and innocent bystanders are shot and sometimes killed in their own homes? Former leaders in particular are calling for a review and for the prison doors to be opened. But despite our sensationalism, fewer than five residents could have been sentenced under this new law.
A recent judgment of the Court of Appeal underlines the fact that a reduction in sentence is possible in exceptional circumstances, but it must include not only a fine (as before) but also imprisonment. Now, I wonder what kind of uproar these recent cases have caused in the United States, even though the visitors are already serving short sentences and fines have been paid over the past few years. I don’t know. In fact, just over a week ago, a tourist was arrested for the same thing at a Jamaican airport.
Incidents like this happen far too often and people who see these incidents have to look at them with raised eyebrows because they can seem suspicious. But even if these actions prove to be harmless, someone looking to cheat or cause harm could use this as a test. That’s why you need to convey your message clearly. TCI welcomes tourists, but the law must be enforced to protect all of us, including tourists.
The beauty of law is that it sets boundaries, protects and deters anarchy. In fact, while tourists benefit from this law, they are also targeted by it. It is hypocritical to demonize a country that is committed to doing its job, upholding the law, and keeping its residents and visitors safe. Frankly, I believe that the negative press shows that tourists are right to think that TCI is a country ruled by law and that it is still a safe place to visit.
Turks and Caicos Islands is an established brand that entertains more than 1 million tourists a year, and we must welcome it, but not trivialize and invite flagrant disregard for our own laws. As such, you must remain consistent. I think tourists will continue to come. That’s why the U.S. response must be pragmatic and helpful. The United States’ response must not be as ignorant or arrogant as the governor of Oklahoma.
It is extremely important that U.S. elected officials know the facts before inflicting difficult experiences on foreign residents. The Governor of Oklahoma clearly does not understand that the pre-sentence hearing suggests that the judgment was postponed due to outside pressure, and is giving false hope and is undermining the incoming shipments. The governor’s statements about testing show that his knowledge is limited.
The expectations of Americans in custody are the same as would be expected of us if we violated U.S. law. It’s up to the law to take its course. The statement that this is a shakedown is an insult to TCI, and the Oklahoma Governor certainly misspoke. It is important for him to allow a calm mind to handle this, while he can find ways to be more helpful. The right U.S. response would be to overhaul the TSA nationally, educate travelers about the countries they are traveling to, and, most importantly, launch a national campaign to thoroughly screen luggage.
The court has that job and, contrary to some opinion, is allowed to hear arguments in exceptional circumstances. I am confident that courts can properly distinguish between gang members, murderers, and those who seek harm for sentencing purposes. Visitors to other countries. But my question is, what will be said if you miss a gun or a bullet and it enters the United States through a port?
Good luck to airport security! You are the star of this movie!
* Charlene Cartwright Robinson is a trained lawyer, former Prime Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and former politician.
